Amorim told to unleash this forgotten star, he can save INEOS £100m in the summer – exclusive

Wes Brown believes Ruben Amorim must give Manchester United’s existing midfielders a “chance” to stake their place in the team before the club decides to invest in the transfer market. Fresh Legs Brown – speaking in an exclusive interview with The Peoples Person, courtesy of BetWright betting – was asked what type of midfielder the Red Devils should target in the summer. And the former defender identified a “holding player” with “energy and athleticism” as the profile needed in United’s engine room, because it compliments club captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international was linked with a blockbuster switch to Saudi Arabia last summer. But, despite exploratory talks being held, he eventually settled on the decision to stay at Old Trafford, influenced by the looming prospect of the World Cup next year. Reports have continued to suggest the Saudi Pro League will return for the midfielder after the tournament, though Fernandes is not believed to hold an interest in leaving top level European football. However, his contract contains a release clause worth £56.7 million to clubs outside of England, and he may consider offers from major clubs on the continent. But Brown is adamant United’s talisman will remain in Manchester – and a suitable partner should be sourced to play alongside him. “I think Bruno will stay regardless, so if you have him you are still looking for a holding midfielder. Someone who has energy and athleticism.” Casemiro has been Amorim’s preferred option next to Fernandes this season, with the defensive midfielder having gone from zero to hero at Old Trafford during the Portuguese coach’s reign. But the Brazil international turns 34 in February and his contract – the most expensive in the current squad – expires a the end of the season. The football has not left Casemiro, as his form this year demonstrates, but his legs certainly have – and Father Time does not give back once He takes away, even if the 31-year-old Fernandes seems immune to His powers. “We will need someone [in midfield],” Brown says, “because Casemiro, even though he’s playing excellently, he is getting older. You can maybe talk about Bruno’s age as well, but he’s a little bit different physically to Casemiro – he’s not lost anything of his legs yet.” United appear to be prioritising one of the the three standout prospects in the Premier League – Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). There is even suggestion they could target two of these options. But before the club settles on their first or second choice, Brown believes the existing cohort at Old Trafford, namely Kobbie Mainoo, should be given more of an opportunity to prove their worth. The Case for Kobbie “I’d love Kobbie to be in [the team],” Brown states – a view he believes is reflected amongst the fanbase as well, despite Mainoo’s firm relegation to the bench this season. The youngster has started just one match – the humiliating penalty shoot-out loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup – and only made 138 minutes of appearances in the Premier League from the bench. Amorim has publicly revealed he is in direct competition with Fernandes for the number eight role in midfield – a fight with only one winner, though the captain’s constant availability and tireless work rate makes this even more difficult for the 20-year-old academy graduate. With one eye on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup next summer, Mainoo had pushed to leave Old Trafford on loan at the end of the summer window. But the request was rejected, with United telling the player he was valued and to fight for his place. The absence of opportunities under Amorim this campaign will have done little to convince him of this, however – and he’s expected to push for the same exit in January. Brown suggests this would be a mistake, instead wanting to “see him get a little more game time. We can’t blame him for anything, it’s not like he’s had loads of chances and not been good enough. “I’ve seen him for many years and how good he is. I know what people say, that [he plays] in Bruno’s position, but I’d like to see if it could work.” Brown believes Mainoo is “still young enough to be able to adapt” to the demands of his manager and could provide United a solution to one of the gaps in midfield they are seeking to target this summer. And with any one of Anderson, Baleba or Wharton set to cost as much as £100m, an academy starlet rediscovering the form, which saw him go from youth player to FA Cup winner and Euro 2024 finalist in the space of a year, could save INEOS a sizeable fee in the summer. And we all know how much Sir Jim Ratcliffe loves cutting costs. Featured image Andrew Redington via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.